DEAR PRIEST

Fr. Emmanuel Okami wrote this beautiful and encouraging piece with humble disposition, recognising not his own strength or perfection but as a struggling and fellow pilgrim on same journey; not as a counsellor or Master, but as one who continues to learn from his daily experience in the ministry. This book is a must-have source of encouragement for priests who are making daily efforts, and an opportune tool for struggling priests to rediscover the beauty, identity, and dignity of their calling and the joy of the priestly ministry.

Fr Anthony Bolaji Abegunde
Formator / Lecturer, Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Major Seminary
Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

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Fr. Emmanuel Gukena Okami has a degree in Philosophy and Theology. He was ordained for the Diocese of Ilorin and is presently on mission to Northampton diocese, UK. As well as working in his parish, he is the founder and co-ordinator of the Word of Life Ministry, in Milton Keynes, UK.
I once asked Fr. Emma to describe himself in one word - he chose the word 'teacher.' This is an undeniable truth and anyone who has listened to him preach or read any of his books can attest to this. If I had to choose a word to describe him, I would say joyful.
Fr. Emma emanates joy - a joy in his life in Christ, a joy in the Word of God, and a joy in making a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to encounter him, as he encourages them to embrace Christ Jesus.
Alongside his obvious in-depth love and knowledge of the Scriptures, Fr. Emma has, with the support of the Holy Spirit, developed a profound wisdom in the study of life and all his books afford us an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and develop our lives to reflect the Word of God.
I am lucky to be able to call Fr. Emma my family. As my priest and as my friend, his kindness, patience, humour and gentle guidance have brought me joy, laughter and an ever-deepening relationship with the Lord. He truly is a gift from God, and I pray that through his books many more people are able to experience the joy, teaching and wisdom of Fr. Emmanuel Gukena Okami.

Lisa Timms
Parishioner of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Burnham, UK.

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